German showjumper Franz-Josef (“Peppi”) Dahlmann and his wife Kate are moving to China early next month to take charge of the stable and sports management of the Beijing International Equestrian Club (BIEC).

Previously, Dahlmann had worked as a manager at the equestrian center of German national coach Otto Becker in Sendenhorst, and for the past year worked for Léon Melchior’s Zangersheide Stud in Belgium.

An international level showjumper, Dahlmann, 33, has featured on Nations Cup teams for Germany.

The move to China came about after the BIEC’s previous rider left for personal reasons. International horse sport agency En Garde’s Volker Wulff initiated the collaboration with BIEC owner Zhang Baosheng, who brought the FEI World Cup Jumping series to China.

The Dahlmann’s move to China followed a trial period of two weeks.

“At the club we have very good opportunities to show our own abilities and experiences which we can discuss with them and decide together with the people of the club how to move forward. Furthermore, there is a good working atmosphere and the people are very friendly and helpful,” they said.